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City of Ventura launches Winter Weather Response Plan for unhoused individuals

As temperatures get colder, the City of Ventura is preparing to launch its winter response plan for homeless persons and asking for community donations for stay warm packs.

The Winter Weather Response Plan is co-sponsored by the City and the River Community Church and provides stay warm packs and temporary shelter to homeless persons during severe weather events, such as severe rain, wind or low temperatures. The program starts December 1 and runs through March 31, 2022.

“This is the second year the City’s Safe & Clean Program has partnered with local social service providers and nonprofits to provide outreach and support to our most vulnerable population,” said Rebecca Kofman, the Interim Safe & Clean Program Manager. “I’m excited to continue with another successful year.”

The City is accepting community donations to create ‘stay warm packs’ for Ventura’s unhoused individuals during harsh weather events. Needed donations include rain ponchos, blankets, jackets, hand-warmers, socks, toiletries, soft snacks, tarps, and carrying bags for items.

People interested in donating can bring materials to the River Community Church, located at 859 E. Santa Clara Street.

Monetary donations are also being accepted by mail. Checks should be labeled “Foul Weather” and mailed to 859 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA, 93001.

The City’s Winter Weather Response Plan also includes an emergency temporary shelter that can accommodate motel rooms for up to 20 individuals. Shelters will be activated at least 48 hours in advance when temperatures are projected to fall below 40 degrees or if weather projections show more than half an inch of rain overnight. 

Priority will be given to homeless individuals who are 65 and older or live with chronic health conditions. All remaining motel rooms will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Individuals who receive a room must arrive at the River Community Church between 5p.m. and 6p.m. on the day of the weather event. Those who are unable to secure a room will receive stay warm packs.

To learn more about the Winter Weather Response Plan, please visit the City of Ventura’s Safe and Clean Program website at www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/SafeandClean or contact Rebecca Kofman, Interim Safe and Clean Program Manager, at [email protected].

‘A Country Fair with Ocean Air’ is set to return in 2022

Fair will feature rides, games, food, exhibits, animals, entertainment and more. Photo by Richard Lieberman

The Board of Directors of the Ventura County Fair has announced that the dates of the 2022 Fair will be Wednesday, August 3 to Sunday, August 14. The announcement marks the anticipated return of the County’s premiere Summer Event after the forced closure due to COVID-19. It was the second closure of that duration in the Fair’s 146-year history, the first having been World War II.

“We are looking forward to bringing the Fair back after two years of unprecedented delays brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Fair CEO Barbara Quaid, adding “The Fair’s board of directors and staff are grateful to our beloved community for patiently standing by us during these difficult times and we hope the return of the Fair will mark a turning point for us all.”

The award-winning Ventura County Fair represents a celebration of our community’s talent, interests, innovations, and rich agricultural and artistic heritage. The annual 12-day event will feature rides, games, food, exhibits, animals, entertainment and more.

Although some aspects of the Fair will be different as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2022 Fair will strive to provide a diverse experience with many of the traditional Fair favorite features. For the sake of our visitors The VC Fair will follow all state and county health and safety guidelines.

The anticipated 300,000 returning visitors will benefit the community in many ways including significant economic contributions to restaurants, hotels, stores, service stations and more. The Fair brings temporary employment to hundreds of local residents and offers opportunities for the community to showcase their talents, hobbies, interests and passions as well as the opportunity to educate, inspire and entertain.

The VC Fairgrounds and Event Center had been unable to host many of the usual interim events in 2020 and 2021, but played a vital role in protecting our community by serving as a COVID-19 testing site and vaccination center.

“We are proud that the VC Fairgrounds and Event Center has been here for our community during this time of crisis,” said CEO Quaid, “We are now overjoyed that we can be here for you with the return of celebration.”

Anonymous donor willing to provide up to $50,000 match funding to support local homeless families

Olga Hamra (Assistant On-Site Manager TCC), Jim Duran (Executive Director TCC) and Brandi Brown (Assistant Case Manager TCC) are all smiles

The City Center announced today that they have received a $50,000 matching donation from an anonymous donor. This gift will match donations made to The City Center now through December 25th, 2021.

The City Center is asking Ventura County to support their work in helping local homeless families become self-sufficient. “Many people complain about the problem with homelessness in our county, but now is the time to be proactive, to realize you can make a difference,” said Cheryl Heitmann, former mayor of Ventura City, “Now is a particularly good time to support The City Center, as every $1 raised will be matched, up to $50,000, and don’t forget there are also tax benefits for donations before year-end. Our community needs to push together to help our most vulnerable population. No child should be homeless. Ever.”

“We are so incredibly grateful to the anonymous donor for their generous offer – however, we must now raise $50,000. I believe our local community can do this,” said Jim Duran, Executive Director. “There were over 5,964 students identified as homeless last year. We need to own our transitional living center at 837 E Thompson Ave, Ventura. Historically, 53% of our funding went to rent, but if we own our home, we will be able to help more homeless children and families,”.

The City Center provides homeless families (with children under 12) shelter for up to two years, in addition to training, mentorship, counseling, and assistance. It has a 100% success rate, not one of the 83 families (representing 272 graduates) of the City Center has ever returned to homelessness. In the future, The City Center plans to add additional facilities to support more unhoused people living in the County of Ventura and beyond. Donation should be made atwww.gofundme.com/thecitycenter.

I am not just a rock, I am a memory

A simple tribute to our memories. Photos by Patricia Schallert 

If one walks down the promenade between C street and the Fairgrounds, you will see a memorial that has been created using some simple beach rocks and river stones. These rocks are in a planter box in front of the Beach Fronter townhouse complex. This simple memorial garden has grown into an amazing way to honor those in our lives that we have loved and lost. Everyone is welcome to bring a personalized rock or small river stone that pays tribute to a loved one, be it your favorite pet, family member or friend. 

You are invited to find and paint a stone or rock, then bring it to the garden. You can also take a rock if you want but replace it with a personalized design or color and or message and dedication to your loved one. 

This rock garden is a simple tribute to the memories of those we have cared about and loved in addition to creating simple artwork for our environment.

Aegis Living Ventura hosts Aegis Games

Aegis Living had more than 30 residents participating in the Games.

The entire world watched as the Summer Olympics finally commenced following coronavirus pandemic delays. The crowds were smaller than usual, but the energy and enthusiasm were hard to beat.

A similar energy was felt just this last week at Aegis Living Ventura, an assisted living and memory care community, as it hosted the first ever Aegis Games for residents and staff. The Olympic-style Games kicked off with opening ceremonies October 11 and concluded on October 25. The Games were designed to have something for every resident, including more than 25 events – from twice-weekly trivia with former Olympians (Janet Evans, Shannon Miller, John Naber to name a few) to a daily walkathon, Giant Jenga, Discus Throw, Relays, Word Unscramble, and much more.

“We are always looking for new ways to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit of our residents and staff,” said Chris Corrigall, Vice President of Life Enrichment at Aegis Living. “Aegis Games started as a fun idea with the Summer Olympics taking place and transformed into a full two weeks of lively programming for our 5,000 residents and staff. We couldn’t be happier to see everyone together and celebrating just like old times.”

Aegis Living Ventura had more than 30 residents participating in the Games. While each day was fun filled, the residents especially enjoyed coming together across assisted living and memory care and celebrating their accomplishments during the closing ceremonies, where every resident received a medal. Residents also received a special visit from Dwayne Clark, the company’s Founder and CEO, who came to celebrate as the Games carried on.

“Here at Aegis, we are part of creating memories,” said Mary Sawyer, an Aegis Ventura team member. “Our lives are enriched every day by our residents and giving back to them is truly amazing. Here, we believe growing old is inevitable, but growing up is optional.”

The Games were such a hit there is talk of it being an annual tradition.

Girl Scouts holds free open house event at EPIC Community

Neighborhood girls learn to “code” by making code bracelets they got to take home.

Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast welcomed girls ages 5 – 18 to an afternoon at a SoCal Gas sponsored open house event. On October 27, fun-filled games and activities were held at an EPIC Community Center in Cabrillo Village, 1515 S Saticoy Ave.

Girls in kindergarten through high school engaged in exciting STEM learning activities, made crafts to take home, met new friends in their neighborhood, and won special giveaways. While girls played, learned, and made new friends, families enjoyed free tacos and ice cream at food trucks. Parents interested in learning more about the Girl Scout program also had the opportunity to speak to council staff and volunteers.

With family support, EPIC exists to build character in vulnerable youth and create everyday leaders throughout marginalized communities, using experimental learning and arts as the mediums to produce responsible citizens. EPIC offers a mentorship program as well as workshops for parents and kids to develop and unleash a child’s inner leader. Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast partnered with EPIC to support this effort and provide girls based in Ventura with fun activities that inspire the leader in them.

Girl Scouts is for every girl, and we’re ready to help her see what she’s capable of no matter her dreams, passions, or goals. Let’s explore the outdoors, get involved with the community, learn a new skill, and serve those in need. Together, there is no limit to what girls can accomplish.

A second Girl Scout Open House event is being held Saturday, November 6, 11:00 AM – 2 PM at WestView 1153 Village Way, Ventura. Learn more about this event at http://www.girlscoutsccc.org or contact [email protected] for more information.

Ventura County Farm Day offers free, open farm tours Nov. 6

Meet Alpacas at Windy Hill farm.

Meet The Hands That Feed You 

Now in its ninth year, Ventura County Farm Day is back with free, in-person, open farm tours on Saturday, November 6. This year’s theme is “Meet The Hands That Feed You.” Tour hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Visitors can use a new online Farm Day Trail Map to build a custom itinerary to travel between growers throughout Ventura County at their own pace. The public will experience a day of agricultural activities, farm tours and produce and other giveaways, plus meet the local farmers who grow the food we eat. 

“We sometimes take for granted how many workers are involved in the process of producing the foods we see in the store. The public will follow the growing journey–from prepping the soil, planting, caring for, harvesting and packaging–to finally shipping the food to market,” says Mary Maranville, founder and CEO of the nonprofit Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG), which puts on Ventura County Farm Day each year. 

Over 15 agricultural entities will participate including Reiter Affiliated Companies (berries), Alpacas At Windy Hills (Alpaca fleece), Blue Ridge Honey (raw honey), Earthtrine Farms (oranges, greens, figs and basil), Good Farms Making a Difference (strawberries), McGrath Family Farm (certified organic vegetables) and Oxnard Historic Farm Park (featuring antique farm equipment, vegetable crops and talks about the agricultural heritage of the Oxnard Plains). Every stop is unique. The full list is at https://venturacountyfarmday.com/farm-tours/map. It’s updated daily.

At Blue Ridge Honey in Ventura, visitors will be able to view an observation hive with live bees, learn about product bottling and sample fresh honey. 

Always a Farm Day favorite is McGrath Family Farm off the 101 Freeway in Camarillo. It hosts a collective of five small farms.

“Ventura County Farm Day is a way to connect farmers with the public,” says Mike Harris, a farmer at Baby Root Farm. “It fosters a close connection between farmers, food and the community.” 

Ventura County Farm Day sponsors include Bobalu Berry Farms, Farm Credit West, Reiter Affiliated Companies and Ventura County Agricultural Association.

SEEAG’s mission is to help children understand the farm origins of their food through classroom agricultural and nutrition education and free farm field trips. “While our primary focus with SEEAG is to educate children,” says Maranville, “Ventura County Farm Day gives all ages the opportunity to appreciate and enjoy the farms throughout the area.” 

For more information about Ventura County Farm Day and a list of participating farms, visit www.VenturaCountyFarmDay.com or call 805-901-0213.

Chloe Zhao – movie screening + Q&A at the 22nd Ojai Film Festival

The Ojai Film Festival promises to draw a large crowd for eventful evenings at the Ojai Art Center Theater.

Chloe Zhao will be screening her movie The Rider and doing a Q&A at the 22nd annual Ojai Film Festival. The Rider is a 2017 American contemporary western drama film written, produced and directed by Chloé Zhao and was shot in the Badlands of South Dakota.

It won the Art Cinema Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a rating of 97% and wrote: “The Rider’s hard-hitting drama is only made more effective through writer-director Chloé Zhao’s use of untrained actors to tell the movie’s fact-based tale.

Chloe is a resident of Ojai and so is coming to support the Ojai Film Festival which is celebrating its 22nd year of honoring the best of local, environmental and spiritual themed films from around the world. This exclusive screening will take place at 7pm on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at the Ojai Art Center Theater. Limited seating – order tickets online at https://ojaifilmfestival.com/2021-tickets/

Ivor Davis is a British transplant who has lived and worked in Southern California since the 1960s and now lives in Ventura. In addition to his journalism career, he is the author of four books, including the first book ever written on the Manson Murders, “Five to Die,” and “Manson Exposed-A Reporter’s 50 Year Journey into Madness and Murder.”

“I Was There – A Reporter’s Story” is a short, very personal, and intimate documentary about his charmed life from acclaimed Ventura County director and filmmaker John Zilles. Following the screening Sunday, November 7 at 7 pm on the Ojai Art Center patio, the audience is invited to join in for an up-close personal conversation with director Zilles and Davis.

Buena High School teacher releases second novel

A teacher-turned-author.

On October 22, 2021, Buena High School’s Teacher Librarian, J.D. Levin, will release his second novel, A Different Slant of Light. After twenty years of guiding students through literature – first as an AP English teacher, then as a Teacher Librarian – Levin has flipped the script and offered up his own original writing for publication. A Different Slant of Light, the sequel to Levin’s 2020 debut novel, Incomplete, will be released through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Apple Books, Books-A-Million, and a variety of other retail platforms.

Levin’s first novel, Incomplete, received glowing reviews:

“An engrossing rock-‘n’-roll bildungsroman.” – Kirkus Reviews

“A powerhouse work.” – San Francisco Book Review (Five-Star Rating)

“Levin’s relatable debut is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that channels the passions of adolescence into musical revelations.” Booklife/Publishers Weekly (Grade: A)

Levin’s two novels thread together the disparate worlds of public education and punk-rock music, telling the story of an almost-rock-star musician who trades in his guitar for a podium and becomes a high school English teacher. The author knows these two realms very well: outside of the classroom, Levin is a veteran of the local music scene, best known as the singer-songwriter and guitarist for local indie rock band, Far From Kansas.

Ultimately, Levin’s goals is to humanize educators: “It’s far too easy to view teachers as two- dimensional caricatures, which is far from the truth. Every teacher has a life outside of school, replete with talents, hobbies, secrets, family, and friends. Many have accomplished remarkable things before ever setting foot into a classroom, much to the surprise of their students.”

For this teacher-turned-author, publishing A Different Slant of Light is the culmination of seven years’ worth of hard work. “I hope that my students, colleagues, and the broader Ventura community chase their muses in pursuit of creating art,” Levin says. “If I can do it, so can they.”

For more information, contact J.D. Levin at [email protected] or visit https://www.notsosilentlibrarian.com.

Robert O. Beringer celebrates being 100

After the war Beringer earned an MS in geology and took a job as a petroleum geologist.

On Oct 6th, long-time Ventura resident Ret. Air Force Colonel Robert O. Beringer celebrated his 100th birthday with friends and family in attendance. Beringer lives at the Ventura Townehouse.

Born in Wisconsin as one of 8 siblings Mr. Beringer is looking back on a long, fulfilled life of military duty, including a World War II mission as a navigator with “Ken’s Men”, sobriquet for the 43rd Bomb Group, stationed on the small island of Owi off northwest mainland New Guinea. He received the Air Medal and three oak leaf clusters for combat and in 1947, transferred to the active Reserve.

After the war Beringer earned an MS in geology and took a job as a petroleum geologist with Conoco. A company field trip to the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Zuni assured him that this is the part of the US where he belonged and he became a lifelong collector of Native American bolo ties and belt buckles and western art.  

 His work took him through the oil patch of Mississippi, Louisiana, offshore Gulf of Mexico, Texas Colorado, Utah, Arizona and finally to California, onshore and offshore.  Conoco created a consortium of oil companies to join in acquiring data for evaluating the hydrocarbon potential of the Santa Barbara Channel. Critical to achieving this goal was a coring program initiated and operated by Conoco. Beringer jumped at the opportunity to supervise coring operations and moved to Ventura in 1966.

After Conoco transferred Beringer to California, he joined the 9378th Air Reserve Squadron , training monthly at the Santa Barbara armory. In 1969, he was appointed Commander and promoted to Colonel in 1970. The Air Force, phasing out ARD units, merged the 9378th ARS with the 0339th ARS in Los Angeles. Beringer was appointed Commander of the 9339th ARS and in 1975 retired after 33 years of active and reserve duty, retiring from Conoco in 1985. His retirement goal was to acquire a better understanding of world history and geology. Pursuing the objective, he visited over 26 counties, the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu, Stonehedge, Pompeii, Egypt, Serengeti, the Silk Road and Switzerland and many states of the US.

As a token to the immensely positive influence Robert Beringer had on others during his long life, in addition to his family and local friends,  a group of former colleagues, many of them he had taken under his wings when they were just starting out in their careers, flew out to California from all over the US to celebrate this special milestone with him, stating that it had been 30/40 years since they saw him last but they never forgot the kindness, encouragement and wisdom he represented!

During his birthday celebration Ret. Colonel Robert O. Beringer was represented with a certificate declaring him an honorary member of the United States Space Force!